There's a roll of wax paper right there in your kitchen drawer. You use it for all sorts of kitchen tasks, like rolling outpastry doughso it doesn't stick and catching drips when you frost cakes or makechocolate-dipped strawberries. It not only prevents foods from sticking and makes clean up easy, but it also excels at wrapping foods that need protection but also need to breathe. But what about using it for baking? Can wax paper go in the oven? We'd like to give you a straight yes or no, but it's a little complicated. We spoke with a toxicology expert and a cooking pro to get the full picture.
- Kelly Magurany, senior manager of toxicology at NSF
- April Field, cook and owner of The Curvy Italian sauce brand
Smart Ways to Organize Foil, Plastic Wrap, and Parchment Paper for a More Efficient Kitchen
What Is Wax Paper?
Wax paper is tissue paper coated with a food-safe paraffin wax. A thin coat of wax is spread on each side of the paper and, according to the USDA, forced into the paper's pores. This helps prevent food from clinging to the paper and makes it moisture-resistant.
Can Wax Paper Go in the Oven?
While wax paper is a helpful kitchen tool, generally you should not use it in the oven.
Why Wax Paper Should Not Be Used in the Oven
Wax paper should not be used in the oven because it is not heat resistant. It can melt or even cause a fire at high temperatures. This is what sets wax paper apart from parchment paper. Parchment paper is oven-safe to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
"At high oven temperatures, wax paper may smoke and catch fire as it is combustible,” says Kelly Magurany, senior manager of toxicology at the NSF. "Wax paper is typically used for baking preparation and refrigeration as it melts at high temperatures (over 120 degrees Fahrenheit)."
She recommends reviewing the manufacturer's product label on your wax paper, as it will have specific use instructions—they do vary from brand to brand.
Can You Ever Use Wax Paper in the Oven?
While it's safer to simply never put wax paper in the oven, you may see exceptions to this rule in some cooking instructions. For instance:
When it is covered by cake batter: According to the USDA and Reynolds (maker of products including wax paper, parchment paper, and, of course, aluminum foil), some types of wax paper can be used to line baking pans, but only if the batter fully covers the paper.Wax paper should not be used where the paper will stick up beyond the cake batter or outside the pan.
Microwave-safe: Both the USDA and Reynolds say that wax paper is microwave-safe.
When to Use Wax Paper
Wax paper is good for many aspects of prepping, says April Field, founder of The Curvy Italian, a jarred pasta sauce brand. It's especially handy for these cooking and baking tasks:
- Sifting dry ingredients: Measure and sift dry ingredients over wax paper instead of a bowl, then pick up the corners of the paper and transfer the mixture into a bowl of other ingredients.
- Rolling sticky dough with ease: Place a sheet underneath the dough so it doesn't stick to your counter and a sheet on top so it doesn't stick to your rolling pin.
- Lining baking pans for no-bake treats: This ensures they come out of the pan smoothly with nothing left behind.
- Protecting the countertop: When you're working with melted chocolate, frosting, or decorating with ingredients like sprinkles and sugars, the paper picks up the dribbles and makes for easy cleanup.
- Wrapping foods: Wax paper excels at everything from lining the tin for homemade cookies to providing a breathable yet protective layer for food in the refrigerator.
Alternatives to Wax Paper
Wax paper has plenty of uses outside of the oven—and it's not the only utilitarian product available for home cooking and baking endeavors. Consider using these oven-safe products:
- Parchment paper is what Magurany suggests for anything up to 425 degrees.(Neither wax nor parchment paper should be used in the broiler or on the grill.)
- Silicone baking sheets like a Silpat—we're big fans of these nonstick baking mats. They are basically a reusable version of parchment paper.
- Aluminum foil is a good option, especially for the grill or high oven temperatures. Keep in mind that it may stick to some foods, and like parchment and wax paper, aluminum foil is a single-use product that isn't great for the environment or your wallet. (That said, aluminum foil is recyclable in many areas as long as it is clean and separated from your other recyclables.)
FAQs
Wax paper is moisture-resistant and nonstick, but it cannot withstand heat and should never be used in the oven. When exposed to high temperatures, the wax will melt and paper itself can catch fire. That's why you should never use wax paper in the oven, toaster oven or other appliances, regardless of temperature.
What happens if you accidentally use wax paper in the oven? ›
If you put wax paper in a hot oven, it'll start to melt, just like wax, thus ruining your cake pans, baked goods, and likely your oven, too. The USDA says that wax paper can go in the microwave, but honestly, I wouldn't risk it. TL;DR: No, wax paper cannot go in the oven.
Does wax paper burn in the oven at 350 degrees? ›
No, you should not use wax paper in the oven.
Wax paper is moisture-resistant, not heat-resistant. The wax will melt at high temperatures and the paper could catch on fire. Always use parchment paper when it comes to baking.
What happens if you use wax paper instead of parchment paper? ›
The biggest difference between parchment paper and wax paper is that wax paper is not heat-resistant. This means you cannot use it for baking, or even use it in the oven at all because the wax could melt and even catch fire inside your oven.
What can I use if I don't have parchment paper? ›
From Foil to Silicone: The Best Alternatives to Parchment Paper
- Aluminium foil. Aluminium foil is probably your best option for replacing parchment paper. ...
- Greased pan. ...
- Cooking spray. ...
- Silicone baking pad/mat. ...
- Wax paper. ...
- Non-stick sheet pans.
Whatever you do, don't put it in the oven! While wax paper can be used for many things around the kitchen, getting near any kind of heat is not one of them, says Weaver, as the wax coating will melt off and into your food.
What paper can go in the oven? ›
Baking paper – also known as bakery paper or parchment paper, as it is often called especially in the US – is greaseproof paper that is used for baking and cooking. Baking paper is the multi-purpose kitchen helper that can be used for several different applications.
What is the temperature limit for wax paper? ›
Wax paper is paper with a thin layer of wax on both sides, typically petroleum-based paraffin wax or wax made from soybeans. Wax melts when exposed to high heat, with a melting point of approximately 420 degrees Fahrenheit and higher, so wax paper is best for cold applications in the kitchen.
Is wax paper toxic if heated? ›
Microwave: Both the USDA and Reynolds say that wax paper is microwave-safe.
Will wax paper melt at 400 degrees? ›
At what temperature does wax paper melt? Wax melts when exposed to high heat, with a melting point of approximately 420°F and higher, so wax paper is best for cold applications in the kitchen.
Only parchment paper is safe for use in the oven, and only up to 425° to 450°F before it will begin to break down and get brittle or burn. Wax paper is not oven-safe in any application.
How to tell the difference between wax paper and parchment paper? ›
What Is the Difference Between Wax Paper and Parchment Paper? The difference between wax paper and parchment paper is that wax paper is typically coated with paraffin wax to make it moisture resistant, while parchment paper is typically coated in silicone to make it heat resistant.
Is it safe to bake with wax paper? ›
We do not recommend using wax paper, as the wax will melt and could become a fire hazard.
What is the best substitute for wax paper? ›
"Given the multitude of wax paper uses, it depends on what you're trying to do," says Brown. "For storage, you can substitute with freezer paper or plastic wrap, for prepping, foil works well, and for baking, parchment is a great substitute."
Why does wax paper smoke in my oven? ›
Wax paper doesn't fare well in the heat
In fact, that thin coating of paraffin will melt in the oven, which can not only ruin your pans, but also smoke up your kitchen. Wax paper does just fine in the microwave, but if you use it in the oven, Martha Stewart warns that it could even catch fire.
Is parchment paper safe in the oven? ›
Parchment paper is oven-safe in conventional ovens for temperatures up to 425°F. For safety, never let the parchment paper touch open flames, the sides or bottom of the oven, or use it with a broiling unit or a toaster oven.
What is the difference between parchment paper and wax paper? ›
The difference between wax paper and parchment paper is that wax paper is typically coated with paraffin wax to make it moisture resistant, while parchment paper is typically coated in silicone to make it heat resistant.
Can you put Reynolds wrap wax paper in the oven? ›
Wax paper should not be directly exposed to the heat of an oven. However, Reynolds Kitchens® Cut-Rite® Wax Paper may be used as a pan liner when baking cakes, bread, muffins or any baked food in which the dough or batter completely covers the wax paper lining.
